All-Star closer Joakim Soria took the first step toward returning to active duty Tuesday when he tested his strained right rotator cuff by throwing for the first time since being placed on the disabled list.

“It went really well,” he said. “It was just easy throwing. This is a good start. I’m excited to get back throwing.”

Club officials were similarly encouraged after Soria’s throwing session on flat ground but remained cautious.

“He hasn’t gotten on a mound yet,” general manager Dayton Moore said. “So he’s got to get on a mound, throw a bullpen and evaluate how he feels the next day. The important thing is he took a good first step today when he threw and felt really good.”

Soria is eligible to return Saturday to active duty but seems more likely to miss another 10 days to two weeks. Moore said Soria will go to the minors for a rehab assignment before resuming his role as the club’s closer. How soon that assignment will begin depends on Soria’s ability to remain pain-free once he starts throwing from a mound.